Barrett reimagines the tale of the ruling family of Knossos – Minos, Pasiphae, Ariadne, the Minotaur – and the foreigner who changed their lives – Theseus. Instead of monsters and queens mating with animals, she tells the story of the clash between a matriarchal society and the men who want to change that tradition. Barrett crafts a tale that is much more believable than the traditional myth of the queen who mates with a bull and give birth to the Minotaur; the male law-giver’s title is the Minos, the High Priestess’ son is known as the Minotauros and he is no half beast. He is child who is both physically and mentally handicapped, conditions unacceptable for the child of the goddess. He is hidden away in the basement beneath the palace. More for fans of Friesner’s books than Riordan’s or Scott’s, readers who like historical fiction or mythology or both should enjoy this.